Ballarat lawyer Michael Myers has been appointed as co-ordinator for professional standards within the diocese to help provide a safe and supportive environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Mr Myers said with the implementation of the new policies on professional standards, it was hoped the clergy sexual abuse of the past would never happen again.

“My job is to look at existing policies and procedures and to update them and develop new policies in order of protecting children and vulnerable adults,” he said.

“The second thing is to implement these policies and provide education so that people understand the policies.”

Mr Myers said while the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat was committed to ensuring the further development of a church culture which was open and transparent. it was his job to ensure the commitment was backed by action.

“If people can see real action is being taken to make a more transparent environment then it is a start.”

alicia.thomas@fairfaxmedia.com.au